Ch. Love of the merman 7 Love of the merman 7

I abruptly looked up, scanning the corridor for Rhys, who waited for me at the end. He was looking down at his phone, his profile sharp and severe, an unshakeable gloom etched between his brows. But who would’ve thought that as a child… he was once an innocent little merman, hiding in a seashell and blowing bubbles? My nose stung, and my heart suddenly ached with a sharp, wrenching pain. Rhys sensed my gaze, looked up, and frowned slightly. “What’s wrong?” I hurried over and 

threw my arms around him, burying my face in his chest. He stiffened, then instinctively raised a hand to gently stroke my back, his voice softening. “… Did the doct- or scare you?” I shook my head, my voice muffled. “…Rhys, I’m going to be nicer to you from now on.” He paused, his Adam’s apple bobbing. 

8 

After a long moment, he hesitated, then murmured, “… So, if I can’t cry all those rainbow pearls right now, can I try a different color first?” I snapped my head up, glaring at him “I’m serious!” A flicker of amusement danced in his eyes. He lowered his head, rubbing his nose against mine. “How about a blue one tonight?” Blue… was the color he cried when he was in heat. I wanted to bite him, but then I saw the nervous uncertainty hidden in his eyes and my heart softened. This ruthless leader of The Abyssal Collective, cold and unfeeling to outsiders, was now cautiously watching my expression, terrified I’d get angry. 

Just then, his phone vibrated wildly. Rhys glanced at the caller ID, his face instantly darkening. It was his subordinate calling, saying Victor Stone, the second–in- command of The Abyssal Collective, had kidnapped Selena, demanding Rhys step down. I sighed, reaching up to smooth the crease between his brows. “Go if you need to ” Selena was just an unwitting hostage. I couldn’t ignore her life. Rhys pulled me into a fierce hug, so tight I could barely breathe. He buried his face in my neck, his voice muffled “When I was little, I was playing and got stranded on a reef.” His fingers unconsciousty massaged my waist. “I couldn’t transform my legs yet, and I almost got caught by humans. Selena saved me. My heart clenched. So that was it. “After this, I’m done with her,” he said, lifting his head, his deep–sea eyes meeting mine. “I promise” My nose stung I suddenly understood why he’d always been so tolerant of Selena. if that little girl hadn’t reached out back then, the man standing before me might not be Rhys Blackwood, but instead… I couldn’t bear to think further. I just stood on tiptoe and kissed his chin. “Come back soon.” Rhys’s eyes darkened, and he cupped the back of my head, deepening the kiss. When we finally broke apart, we were both breathless. “Wait for me.” he murmured. his thumb brushing my lip. As he turned, his cold demeanor returned. I watched his retreating back, then touched my swollen belly. The five little merman hatchlings seemed to sense my emotions, stiming softly. The System suddenly chimed: [Host, do you finally understand why the villain was so special to the heroine?] I softly hmm ́ed Any jealousy I’d felt was long replaced by a pang of sympathy. If not for Selena, I might never have met this big bad villain who cried pearls just for me Will Rhys be in danger this time?” The Systern comforted me [Don’t worry, Host The villain’s a powerhouse) 

But I waited until deep into the night, and Rhys still hadn’t returned. For some reason, an uneasy feeling settled in my stomach. The System suddenly blared a warn ing Rhys had been captured! I shot up from the sofa, the five babies in my belly simultaneously lucking restlessly “System! You said he’d be fine? My voice tremb led “What do you mean, captured? Isn’t he the head of The Abyssal Collective?!‘ The Systein, for once, sounded panicked. [Host, I just finished updating my data! Victor Stone somehow acquired a merman intubitor Rhys is currently locked in the abandoned city aquarum The abandoned city aquarium My blood instantly ran 

Chapter 2 

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likely location where Rhys would be held: the central giant aquarium area. It used to be the star attraction of the aquarium. Now… it was probably Victor’s meticulou- sly prepared torture chamber. The car screeched to a halt outside the aquarium. I took a deep breath, about to step out, when the System suddenly shrieked. [Host! Detecting Selena Winslow’s life signal! She’s here too!] I froze. “What?” [She was likely kidnapped by Victor as bait! She’s currently locked up with Rhys!] I gritted my teeth, reaching into the trunk for a gun – one Rhys had insisted on teaching me to use for self–defense. “Lead the way.”